January 2021

Notes on Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Downtown Core Secondary Plan (CEDCSP)

• In the draft new Official Plan, Sandy Hill is part of the newly designated Downtown Core Transect. Sandy Hill's Secondary Plan (originally conceived in 1979) has been folded into a new Central and East Downtown Core Secondary Plan. • In general, the role of secondary plans is to provide the strategic planning direction to guide future development and redevelopment. While the Official Plan contains policy direction, SPs begin to use more specific geographic and neighbourhood references to guide future development and redevelopment. A further level of direction is found in Community Design Plans (such as the one for Upper Rideau). • The new CEDCSP has amalgamated Sandy Hill, Centretown, and seven additional downtown areas into one document. The Centretown and Escarpment chapters in the Plan are markedly more developed as they have been through a community design process in recent years.

• Action Sandy Hill’s (ASH) position is that the Sandy Hill section of the new CEDCSP, in particular compared to its compatriots with community design plans, fails to:

o Acknowledge and describe the existing conditions, pressures, and challenges of the plan area (for example, that Sandy Hill is a near-campus neighbourhood to uOttawa, that it has suffered degradation of its built environment);

o Articulate the cultural and heritage character and values of the plan area (for example, the entire plan area needs to be assessed for its heritage character–not just the area north of Osgoode–with properties identified as contributing or non- contributing;

o Articulate a community vision for SH, one that:

§ promotes walkable, human-scale development, amenities, and infrastructure, § preserves SH's heritage fabric and character, § manages growth in ways that accommodate diversity and ensure environmental sustainability, § elevates performance standards both in terms of aesthetic and functionality/liveable design, § encourages the conservation/restoration of contributing properties, and § promotes the redevelopment of non-contributing or non-sustainable

1 January 2021 properties; and,

o Recognize that diversity (housing mix) is critical to the preservation/regeneration of Sandy Hill and thus fails to articulate design standards that provide for a mix of housing typologies.

• Other more specific comments and questions can be found in the table below.

• Action Sandy Hill requests 1) a City-organized community visioning exercise be held, to enable its residents to articulate their vision for this neighbourhood’s future (re-)development, and 2) a character area study that will articulate the cultural and heritage character and values of the plan area. These two actions will contribute to filling the gaps about Sandy Hill in the existing CEDCSP.

2 January 2021 Comparison and comment table, as a basis for discussion at a January 19, 2021 community meeting to be held with City Planning staff on the draft new Official Plan

Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan Location: Character Area: Strathcona Heights and Robinson Village Sandy Hill is the area bounded by Besserer 4.7.1 - generally bounded by Besserer have been assigned to the St to the north, the Rideau River to the east, Street to the north, the Rideau River to the character area in the new Central and East 417 and Henderson Street off-ramp to the east, Mann Avenue to the south, and King Downtown Core Secondary Plan. south, Nicholas St, the and a Edward Avenue to the west. It also line joining the two to the west; and Laurier encompasses Sandy Hill West between Ave and King Edward Ave to the northwest. Waller Street, Stewart Street, Cumberland Street, , King Edward Avenue, and Besserer Street. It excludes any lots adjacent to Waller Street and Besserer Street which are in the Downtown Rideau Area. 5.3.1 General: 4.7.1.2 General Objectives: No change in the wording of this section a) To preserve and enhance Sandy Hill • To preserve and enhance Sandy Hill other than the removal of the reference to as an attractive residential as an attractive residential Amendment 19. This amendment was neighbourhood, especially for family neighbourhood, especially for family added to the Sandy Hill Secondary Plan in living. living. 2005.

b) To provide for a broad range of • To provide for a broad range of socio-economic groups. socio-economic groups.

c) To accept a modest increase in • To accept a modest increase in What does modest increase in population population, primarily as a way of population, primarily as a way of mean? This increase should be specified housing some of the growth in the housing some of the growth in the either as a percentage or an exact number. Central Area labour force. Central Area labour force.

d) To maintain and co-ordinate both the • To maintain and co-ordinate both the local functions of Sandy Hill local functions of Sandy Hill (primarily as a residential (primarily as a residential neighbourhood) and the functions neighbourhood) and the functions that serve a wider area (e.g., the that serve a wider area (e.g., the mainstreet mixed uses area along mainstreet mixed uses area along and the University of Rideau Street and the University of

3 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan ). [Amendment 19, January Ottawa). 12, 2005] 5.3.2 Land Use: 4.7.3 Land Use and Built Form: Minor changes in wording – primarily to 1 a. Residential Land Use 4.7.3.1 Local Neighbourhood reflect the language in the draft OP. i. To preserve and enhance the 98) Preserve and enhance a stock of good existing stock of good housing. housing. ii. To distinguish among types of new 99) Distinguish among types of new housing on the basis of scale, and to housing on the basis of scale, and to locate locate the different types in areas the different types in areas appropriate to appropriate to them. them. iii. To provide a wide variety of housing, There is no mention of housing for students including accommodation for low- 100) Provide a wide variety of housing, in 100). Yet almost all of the redevelopment income people, the elderly, the including accommodation for low-income in Sandy Hill over the past 10 years has handicapped and others with special people, the elderly, the handicapped and been for students. This omission detracts needs. others with special needs. from the credibility of the document as a iv. To permit public uses that secondary plan for Sandy Hill. complement the residential ones in 101) Permit uses that complement the type and intensity. residential ones in type and intensity. v. For the lands known municipally as v. The reference to 85 Range has been 85 Range Road, designated as High removed in the new SH Secondary Plan as Profile on Schedule J, the maximum the 10-storey building has been building height is 10 storeys and the constructed. tenth storey may only be used for amenity space and mechanical equipment. [Amendment 87, July 14, 2010] vi. A mix of institutional, commercial, and residential uses that serve both 102) A mix of institutional, commercial, and Why is the reference to 261, 265, 271, 275, the University and the adjacent residential uses that serve both the 281 Laurier Ave and 400 Friel continued in residential community will be University and the adjacent residential no. 102? This residence has already been permitted at 261, 265, 271, 275, and community will be permitted at 261, 265, built. 281 Laurier Avenue East and 400 271, 275, and 281 Laurier Avenue East and Friel Street. [Amendment #134, 400 Friel Street. OMB File #PL140348, November 12, 2015] vii. For the lands known municipally as Section vii of the old plan is not included in 213, 217, 221 and 223 Henderson the new plan, The new residence on the 4 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan Avenue and 65 Templeton Street, corner of Henderson and Templeton (65 small-scale commercial uses are Templeton) has been built. permitted. [Amendment #205, March 30, 2018] viii. The lands municipally known as 315 315 Chapel is part of the allSaints property. Chapel Street shall be recognized 103) The lands municipally known as 315 as a Design Priority Area, and a mix Chapel Street shall be recognized as a of community and commercial uses Design Priority Area, and a mix of that serve the Sandy Hill community community and commercial uses that serve will be permitted on the site. the Sandy Hill community will be permitted [Amendment #207, April 26, 2018] on the site. b. Commercial Land Use 4.7.3.2 Commercial Uses i. To provide for small-scale shopping 104) Provide for small-scale shopping areas areas that serve the immediate that serve the immediate residential sector residential sector and to have them and to have them distributed generally distributed generally throughout throughout Sandy Hill. Sandy Hill.

ii. To locate shops serving a wider 105) Locate commercial uses serving a market in areas where they will be wider market in areas where they will be readily accessible and will least readily accessible and will least affect the affect the residential environment. residential environment.

106) Laurier Avenue East is designated as Sections 106 – 108 are new. Laurier Ave. a Minor Corridor in the Official plan. A mix of was supposed to be residential. However, it institutional, small-scale commercial and is evolving into a mixed-use corridor. residential uses that serve both the Prime Minister's Row includes a number of University and the adjacent residential streets in Sandy Hill. This section has been community will be permitted along this sent to Prime Minister's Row for review. Avenue. The City will support the efforts by the NCC and the local community to establish a Prime Ministers’ Row theme on this street.

107) East is designated as a Minor Corridor in the Official Plan. Micro- 5 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan retail and small-scale, locally-oriented commercial uses that serve the needs of the immediate vicinity will be permitted along this street. Ring Lane – See Schedule B – This lane runs from Laurier to Wilbrod beside the 108) Permit and encourage small Firehall located at the corner of Laurier and commercial uses on Ring Lane King Edward. The only vacant parcels of land in the lane are: side yard of the school and St. Paul's Lutheran Church parking lot. There is a private residence at 212 Ring Lane and the rectory of the Church. Where does the City envision these small commercial uses and how successful would c. Institutional 4.7.3.4 Institutional commercial entities be in this lane? Would it i. To permit orderly development of the 109) Permit orderly development of the better fill a need as a linear park, given the , and to University of Ottawa, and to encourage lack of greenspace in this area of Sandy encourage useful links between the useful links between the University and the Hill? University and the adjacent adjacent community, a mix of institutional, community, a mix of institutional, commercial, and residential uses that will 109) is a new addition to the existing SP. commercial, and residential uses serve both the University and the adjacent Why is the south side of Wilbrod St singled that will serve both the University residential community will be permitted to out for UofO institutional development? Why and the adjacent residential locate along both sides of King Edward has this just been dropped into the SP? community will be permitted to Avenue between Laurier Avenue East and This is not an appropriate location for UofO locate along both sides of King Templeton Street, and between institutional development. It is a residential Edward Avenue between Laurier Cumberland and King Edward between street, located in a Heritage Conservation Avenue East and Templeton Street Wilbrod Street and Laurier Avenue East. District. [Amendment 51, March 28, 2007] d. Open Space, Parks and Public Uses 4.7.3.5 Parks and Public Realm i. To maintain, improve and where 110) Maintain, improve and where Brief mention of privately-owned public desirable, add to public open space desirable, add new parks and privately- space in Section 4.4 of draft OP. There is a and parks. owned public space. small park at Wurtemburg and Daly ii. To minimize conflicts with other (Identified in Schedule B of the Official Plan) space demands by using vacant lots located in a space owned by the Rio Vista and street closings, incorporating apartments. This small park should be open space within new used as an example of privately-owned developments, etc. public space in 4.7.3.5 110. 6 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan 110) should be more specific about the location of these parks e.g. The planned park at the corner of Chapel and Lees Avenue or the property which is for sale on Blackburn Ave. 111) Minimize conflicts with other space demands by using vacant lots and street closings, incorporating new parks and privately-owned public space within new developments, etc. 174 Wilbrod St is the site of the St Joseph's 112) The City will investigate the Church and 200 Wilbrod is its parking lot. provision new park or privately-owned Does the City own this property and will it public space as part of redevelopment of be tearing down the Church to put in a 174 and 200 Wilbrod Street. Park? Since this is a church should the Diocese or the Oblates be consulted? This makes no sense or is this part of a larger development the City is planning in partnership with uOttawa?

There is an ongoing situation for 244 Fountain Place where the City is providing the developer part of the Besserer St. Park to access parking spaces. Section 4.7.3.5 should include a section that preserves the parks in Sandy Hill and does not allow any part of our parks to be taken over by developers for uses other than a park. iii. To enhance the relationship of the The new plan is silent on any relationship western edge of the University with with uOttawa. How can we operate in the Transitway and transit stops, isolation of such a close neighbour which and the Rideau has such a huge impact on us? Section Canal, in collaboration with the 4.7.3.4 109 mentions a connection with the National Capital Commission and university and encouraging useful links the University of Ottawa and through which would imply a relationship. Therefore, inclusion of the area within the there must be some acknowledgement of 7 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan University’s master plan; this relationship in the Plan, as well as the iv. To work with the University of challenges it brings. Ottawa to identify and safeguard key areas of open space within the campus area. 'these lands' should be defined in the new SP. Pedestrian/cycling is covered in Section e. Mixed Uses 4.7.4 Mobility below. i. To transform these lands into an attractive and pedestrian/cycling- This will be part of the Lees Station Plan. friendly environment ii. To intensify the lands in proximity to Lees Transit Station with high- profile, mixed-use buildings iii. To transition down to the surrounding low profile areas with medium profile, mixed-use buildings [Amendment #132, OMB File #PL140185, March 9, 2015] [Amendment #156, OMB File # PL150947, #PL160044, #PL161004, January 17, 2017] [Amendment #166, January 12, 2016]

5.3.3 Transportation 4.7.4 Mobility i. To provide a transportation system 113) Provide a transportation system that that combines good access with combines good access with minimal minimal adverse effects on the adverse effects on the physical and social physical and social environment. environment.

ii. To emphasize public transportation 114) Prioritize public transportation and and bicycle and pedestrian networks bicycle and pedestrian movements over over the private auto. motor vehicles. In particular, the City will: a) Provide frequent and comfortable There is a need for at least one additional pedestrian and cycling crossings of Waller pedestrian crossing on Laurier Ave. in the Street, King Edward Avenue, and Laurier vicinity of Strathcona Park at Range Road. 8 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan Avenue; and

b) Implement traffic calming on Cumberland is important as a main Cumberland Street to reinforce its role as a pedestrian and cycling link, as such it is main pedestrian and cycling link between more important to add wider sidewalks and Rideau Street and the University of Ottawa. focus on improving the public realm e.g., The City should consider preparing a the tree canopy. streetscaping plan to address paving, lighting, public realm amenities, street trees Section 114) should also include: and landscaping, and reducing through- • The re-development of the Waller traffic; and transit mall. • Somerset St. E. has become one of c) Enhance Ring Lane as a pedestrian the busiest on-road cycling links in link. the City and improved cycling conditions should be part of the long iii. To direct through auto traffic around term plan for this corridor. rather than into the neighbourhood. 115) Direct motor vehicle through-traffic around rather than into the neighbourhood using various traffic-calming measures and filtered permeability. iv. In future planning, to make land use the initial determinant of 116) In future planning, to make land use transportation needs. The latter the initial determinant of transportation The intent of 116) is not easily understood. should then be used to set any needs. The latter should then be used to set This section needs to be written in plain necessary limits on future any necessary limits on future development English. development in the light of access in the light of access requirements. requirements. v. To provide additional secure bicycle parking, particularly within the v. has been eliminated in the new SP. This campus area. [Amendment 24, May should be left in as new commercial entities 24, 2005] 117) The City will undertake targeted open and new development is undertaken strategies to implement the Downtown more secure bicycle parking will be

Ottawa Urban Design Strategy. This required. Reference to the uOttawa includes the King Edward South campus should be removed. Beautification: a streetscaping plan for King Edward Avenue (as part of a larger The King Edward South Beautification was 9 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan streetscaping plan extending from Rideau included in the previous SP. Street to Mann Avenue) including street tree planting, lighting, improved sidewalks, public art, street furniture, traffic calming, and landscaping.

10 January 2021 5.3.4 Heritage The new SP for SH silent on Heritage. Why To preserve and restore buildings, has this entire section been removed from structures, sites and areas of architectural, the new Secondary Plan. Heritage is historical and cultural significance. generally covered in Section 3.4 of the Central and East Downtown Core 1. a. Overall Rationale Secondary Plan, and Sandy Hill is Generally, the value of heritage as a referenced there. At a higher level, planning concern lies in the following Heritage is generally covered in Section 4.5 reasons: Cultural Heritage and Archaeology in the i. Cultural, Educational - Heritage draft new Official Plan. structures and areas are a Heritage Conservation Districts in Sandy manifestation of our history and our Hill are shown in Annex 4 of the Official past values, and contribute to our Plan. national identify; ii. Physical, Social - Heritage There must be a Heritage section in the structures offer rich, irreplaceable new Sandy Hill Secondary Plan. The architectural styles providing the section must reference the distinctive character and variety essential to a heritage character of the area and set out vital urban environment. They policies for the future of heritage in Sandy provide an identifiable, cohesive Hill. Without such a section, heritage sense of "place" within the City; character and historical significance of this iii. Economic, well-maintained heritage character will become extinct in Sandy Hill. areas become significant tourist attractions. Also, older homes often offer economic alternatives to new construction. b. Sandy Hill Rationale In establishing heritage designations in Sandy Hill, the following neighbourhood planning considerations are involved: i. The location of individual designated buildings and heritage districts generally corresponds to the intention to preserve as much of the existing neighbourhood structure as possible, with areas of change located on the periphery of the community;

11 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan ii. In addition to preservation of the existing physical structure of the neighbourhood, the intention is to further the sense of "community". The existing historic structures, with their special associations and architectural character, identify Sandy Hill as a unique neighbourhood and contribute to this sense of place and community; iii. Preservation of heritage structures, now primarily residential, corresponds to the intention of maintaining Sandy Hill as a residential neighbourhood. c. Means of Carrying Out the Heritage Program i. Zoning By-law - the purpose is to set out specific appropriate land uses compatible with the maintenance of the heritage character of a building or neighbourhood. Uses which are incompatible are those which are incompatible with the heritage character of the building or neighbourhood, and the appropriate residential, commercial or public component of the zone. Yard, setback and open space requirements are regulated in accordance with the heritage character of the neighbourhood. Heritage Act - includes various controls over old and new buildings, design controls. ii. Financial assistance, etc. iii. City of Ottawa Act - includes controls 12 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan and financial authorization. iv. Demolition Control under The Planning Act. v. Development Control under The Planning Act. vi. Design review by the City. vii. Small conditional grants to owners who restore heritage buildings. viii. Heritage landscaping and street furniture program. ix. Heritage Advisory Committee. x. Revolving funds for restoring properties that the City acquires for re-sale.

13 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan 5.3.5 Physical and Social Services 4.7.5 Servicing and Infrastructure Only the description of the section has To provide adequate physical and social 118) Provide adequate physical and social changed in the new Plan. services (e.g., sewer systems and services (e.g., sewer systems and recreation guidance) and, in the case of recreation guidance) and, in the case of new development, to provide them new development, to provide them concurrently with population growth. concurrently with population growth.

14 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan 5.3.6 Site Development 4.7.6 Site Development a) To ensure that the scale, form, 119) Ensure that the scale, form, proportion proportion and spatial arrangement and spatial arrangement of new of new development cause minimal development cause minimal intrusion on the intrusion on the sunlight, air and sunlight, air and aspect enjoyed by existing aspect enjoyed by existing adjacent adjacent development. Wherever possible, development. Wherever possible, such new development shall contribute to such new development shall the overall physical environment. contribute to the overall physical environment. 120) To ensure that new development shall b) To ensure that new development provide for internal and external on-site shall provide for internal and amenity areas. external on-site amenity areas. c) To enhance development with 121) Enhance development with landscaping, especially for parking landscaping, especially for parking and and loading areas and as a buffer loading areas and as a buffer between between dissimilar land uses. dissimilar land uses. d) To ensure that new infill development along the eastern side 122) Ensure that new infill development of King Edward Avenue is of a scale along the eastern side of King Edward that transitions down from the larger Avenue is of a scale that transitions down university buildings to the smaller from the larger university buildings to the residential buildings of Sandy Hill. smaller residential buildings of Sandy Hill. e) To ensure that new development between the Central Area and the 123) Ensure that new development north side of the University respects between the Central Area and the north the scale and character of the side of the University respects the scale historic university core and the scale and character of the historic university core of Laurier Avenue. [Amendment #24, and the scale of Laurier Avenue. May 11, 2005]

5.3.7 Public Participation 4.7.7 Public Participation To provide for the continuing involvement of 141) Provide for the continuing involvement the public in the development of Sandy Hill. of the public in the development of Sandy Hill.

15 January 2021 5.4 Implementation Why has this section been removed from The policies of this Chapter provide a the new SP? framework for the future development of Sandy Hill. The success of these policies depends on effective implementation. The City of Ottawa has the jurisdictional authority to carry out many of the policies of this Plan; however, certain policies can only be implemented with the co-operation of other public authorities, including the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton, the Province of Ontario, and the National Capital Commission. Wherever such co- operation is required, the City of Ottawa will initiate discussions with these authorities to determine a joint course of action.

Targeted Strategies City Council shall consider undertaking the following targeted strategies (see Annex 9) to implement the Urban Design Strategy: King Edward South Beautification 1. a streetscaping plan for King Edward Included in Section 4.7.4 (117) of new SP. Avenue (as part of a larger streetscaping plan extending from Rideau Street to Mann Avenue) including street tree planting, lighting, sidewalk enhancement, public art, street furniture and landscaping. University Planning Program 1. The minimum densities set out in this Secondary Plan will result in the New Plan silent on University Planning achievement of transit-supportive Program as this has already occurred. development densities over the long term. The intent of requiring minimum densities is to set the stage for intensification so that development with increased densities can occur in context- sensitive locations at the time market

16 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan pressure for density exists. In response to this the implementing TD zones provide flexibility by permitting existing constructed uses of land to be expanded and rebuilt at densities under the targets in this Secondary Plan. Also in response, land estimated to be subject to development intensification pressure beyond 2031 in the TOD Plan for the related station area is permitted to remain in the existing zoning until such time as the owner requests rezoning in response to intensification pressure. At that time the property is to be rezoned to the appropriate TD zone in accordance with this Secondary Plan and the minimum densities and maximum building heights specified in the TD zone will take effect.[Amendment #132, OMB File #PL140185, March 9, 2015] 5.5 Interpretation This Chapter establishes broad principles to guide future development and redevelopment in Sandy Hill. Amendments to this Plan will only be required in the case Schedules of major changes in policy. Schedule A - Character Areas Schedules - Sandy Hill Schedule B - Designation Plan Schedule B – shows Chapel as a minor Schedule A – Site specific policies corridor. Does this imply more intense Schedule J – SH Land Use development according to the Hubs and Schedule K – SH Pedestrian and Bicycle Corridors focus for intensification? Why is Network and New Parks Chapel singled out as a minor corridor? Schedule L – SH Maximum Building Heights Similarily Schedule B shows Cumberland along St Joes Church as a minor corridor. Why has this area been declared as a minor corridor?

Schedule C - Maximum Building Heights Schedule C shows heights of Northwest SH 17 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan (King Edward to Cumberland, Laurier to Besserer) as 6 stories. This is a Heritage Conservation District – how can there be 6 storeys in this area? This would also be contrary to Schedule B which identifies this area as a “local neighborhood” as well as the new R4-UD zoning which limits heights to 3 or 4 stories.

Schedule D - Uptown Rideau Density Redistribution Schedule E - Centretown Conceptual Parks Annex 1 - Centretown Character Areas

4.8 Lees Station 4.8.1 Character Area This Sub-section This will include Robinson Village and 2 applies to the Lees Station area as shown Robinson as well as Strathcona Heights. on Schedule A - Character Areas. It is generally bounded by Mann Avenue, the Rideau River, Springhurst Park, and Nicholas Street.

4.8.2 Land Use and Built Form 124) The City will: a) Direct development density and building height towards the immediate vicinity of the Lees O-Train station; and b) Direct major non-residential uses towards the Lees O-Train station; and c) Maintain the low- and mid-rise character of Robinson Village.

125) The City will permit community uses on the Sandy Hill Arena Lands. These include a community centre, community garden, day care, emergency service, 18 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan library, municipal service centre, park, recreational and athletic facility, and/or sports arena.

126) Active Frontages will be required along: a) Lees Avenue between Mann Avenue and Robinson Avenue; and b) Lees Avenue and any future streets segments directly adjacent to the Lees O- Train station 4.8.3 Public Realm: 127) Parks and Recreation Facilities will be provided in the following ways:

a) Acquire land for urban parkettes/plazas and work with developers to combine smaller parcels of land through a number of developments to create neighbourhood parks. New parkland will aquired and amenities be funded through cost-sharing agreements through agreement of multiple landowners; and b) Springhurst Park shall be expanded at least up to the line of the proposed Alta Vista Corridor.

128) The Open Space corridor along the shoreline of the Rideau River at Lees Campus will be considered as University Open Space which will remain in the ownership of 52 the University of Ottawa. These lands will be publicly accessible. The provisions of the City’s Official Plan and the Greenspace Master Plan shall continue to apply and the pathway must be built and maintained at least to City standard. 4.8.4 Mobility 19 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan

129) The City will pursue the construction of the pedestrian and cycling bridges as described in the TOD Plans. They should be designed to separate bicycle and pedestrian traffic in order to accommodate current and future growth in traffic. They City may require the bridges as part of the development of nearby sites. The bridges include: a) An overpass over Highway 417 between Chapel Street and Lees O-Train station; and b) A bridge over the Rideau River between the Lees University campus and Hurdman Station.

130) The City will prioritize the comfort and convenience of walking and cycling, notably at the Key Pedestrian Crossings as identified in the TOD Plan. In addition to permanent infrastructure, the City will consider interim improvements and traffic calming along Lees Avenue, Mann Avenue, and King Edward Avenue. Interim and permanent improvements include: a) Dedicated, separated, and all-seasons infrastructure with separate spaces for bicycles and pedestrians i) Along the entire length of Lees Avenue, connecting to the MUP adjacent to the O- Train right of way; and ii) Along the north and west banks of the Rideau River; and iii) Along the north side of Highway 417; and iv) Over Highway 417 parallel to Nicholas Street; and 20 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan v) Between Mann Avenue and ; and vi) Along Greenfield Avenue.

b) pedestrian priority (including reduced crossing distances, and horizontal and vertical deflection) at: 53

i) Mann Avenue at King Edward Avenue, with special considerations to improve pedestrian comfort under the O-Train and Nicholas Street overpasses; and ii) Lees Avenue at the northbound Highway 417 off-ramp; and iii) Lees Avenue and Robinson Avenue; and iv) Lees Avenue and Chapel Street; and v) Lees Avenue at the Lees O-Train station; and vi) Mann Avenue in front of the Minto Sports Complex; and vii) Mann Avenue at the future MUP east of Russel Avenue; and viii) Mann Avenue at Chapel Street.

c) the narrowing and rationalization of vehicular lanes in order to redistribute the space to active modes, street trees, and public realm improvements along the length of Lees Avenue, particularly between Mann Avenue and Robinson Avenue.

131) Should the City proceed with the construction of the Alta Vista Transportation Corridor (AVTC), it will prioritize the comfort of local residents and users, as well as the quality of active transportation connectivity above other considerations. This includes: 21 January 2021 Sandy Hill in the new Central and East Former SH Secondary Plan ASH comments Downtown Core Secondary Plan a) Maintaining and enhancing the Major Recreational Trail along the Rideau River; and b) Widening and enhancing the sidewalks and cycleways on Lees Avenue. The AVTC overpass in particular should be designed in such a way as to prioritize the comfort and interest of pedestrians; and c) The provision of a pedestrian and cycling link from Lees Avenue to the Major Recreational Trail along the Rideau River by means of the City-owned parcel on the east side of the AVTC; and d) Measures which minimize and mitigate all negative environmental impacts such as noise attenuation, lower vehicular speeds, limited vehicular capacity, and implementation of the landscape concept. Other mitigation measures can be found in the AVTC Environmental Assessment and may be added to this Plan without amendment.

Additional comments and questions:

• Over the last 10 years, approximately 2000 bedrooms have been added in the neighborhood. Yet demographics such as families, retired couples, single professionals have a challenging time finding suitable accommodation, due to the existing market pressures in this near-campus neighbourhood. The pandemic has shown that the intensification policy (or lack thereof) in this neighbourhood has failed. Despite a housing crisis in Ottawa, we see for rent signs on low rise apartment buildings, which were supposedly built for people of all ages and incomes. There are many darkened units in these buildings and garbage and noise are significantly reduced. Some of the local businesses are struggling or have closed because their main clientele, students, are not in residence. The draft new Secondary Plan does not address these challenges. No Community Design Plan (CDP) process for Sandy Hill has been scheduled to guide more intensification or regeneration as proposed under the draft new Official Plan. Without a minimum of a community

22 January 2021 visioning exercise and a character area study to guide (re-)development, we can only expect more of the same. By comparison, the Centretown Secondary Plan, based on the CDP for Centretown, sets out the vision of this area in a very clear and concise manor. In order to preserve and make our neighborhood a diverse and vibrant community, it is imperative that a CDP be developed for Sandy Hill.

• There are many embassies in Sandy Hill. The new Secondary Plan is silent on these entities. A section must be added in the new Secondary Plan to establish their existence in the community and how to manage their evolution so that they do not become office buildings instead of residences.

• The relationship between Sandy Hill and uOttawa must be set out in the new Secondary Plan. There is also a need to set out a requirement for more on campus housing. To maintain the general objectives of the Secondary Plan (4.7.1.2), we believe that the secondary plan should state that there be no uOttawa institutional development east of Henderson including residences.

• There is an opportunity to add into section 4.7.3.2 language to allow/encourage pop-up and dedicated seasonal market stalls and stands throughout SH. Key locations could be Strathcona Park, Mann between Blackburn and Chapel, the Sandy Hill Community Centre, along Somerset St. and Laurier Ave, and in the new developments planned for the Lees Station Area, which include City lands.

• There is an error in Schedule C - Maximum Building Heights in the new Secondary Plan for Central and East Downtown Core. This shows all of Sandy Hill as having a maximum of 4 stories. However, there is a small area in the south east corner of Sandy Hill which is designated as R1TT.

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